Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal operation of a brick kiln in village Khamarchak, district Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, 04/09/2020

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Tapan Kanti Bera Vs West Bengal Pollution Control Board & Others dated 04/09/2020.

The matter related to illegal operation of a brick kilns in village Khamarchak, district Purba Medinipur, West Bengal in violation of the directions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dated June 27, 2017. All brick kilns were directed to convert to induced draft brick kiln (zig-zag brick setting). It was stated that the brick kiln had given a false impression that it had closed down, when actually it was not.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) in its report informed the NGT that order of closure and disconnection of electricity was issued against the brick kiln. The court said that action should be taken to recover environmental compensation for the period of the illegal operation apart from confirming that the brick kiln was closed.

The WBPCB has been directed to assess the environmental compensation in accordance and with the guidelines framed by the CPCB and, recover the same within one month.